PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE We’ll say it: A cheeseburger is one of the most perfect foods on Earth. There’s the crispy, deep browning of the patty. The refreshing crunch of the lettuce. The rich and melty cheese. And don’t even get us started on the classic […]
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We’ll say it: A cheeseburger is one of the most perfect foods on Earth. There’s the crispy, deep browning of the patty. The refreshing crunch of the lettuce. The rich and melty cheese. And don’t even get us started on the classic burger sauce. It’s hard to replicate the perfection of a restaurant-quality burger in the comfort of your own home (unless you don’t mind smoking up your entire kitchen). But this hamburger casserole captures the same magic in the form of an easy weeknight casserole.
You may have heard the term “hamburger casserole” used to describe similarly cozy recipes using ground beef and elbow macaroni. But instead of the classic tomato-based goulash, this version is made with a sauce reminiscent of your favorite fast food secret sauce—pickles included. But our favorite part of this recipe is how quickly it comes together with ingredients you likely already have in your fridge.
After only about 10 minutes in the oven, blend of beef, elbow macaroni, the creamy sauce, and plenty of cheese becomes savory, melty, and comforting. And to add a refreshing pop of green, the casserole is topped with shredded lettuce. It’s so good, you won’t even miss the bun—but you can replicate the classic sesame garnish with an optional sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
This recipe is a quick and easy weeknight warrior, but if you’re strapped for time you can also make it 1 day ahead. Simply assemble the casserole, then cover with foil and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Did you try making this? Let us know how it went in the comments!
- Yields:
- 6 serving(s)
- Prep Time:
- 30 mins
- Total Time:
- 45 mins
- Cal/Serv:
- 656
Ingredients
Kosher salt
- 8 oz.
elbow macaroni
- 1 lb.
ground beef
- 1
large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3
cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1
(14-oz.) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 c.
mayonnaise
- 1/4 c.
chopped dill pickles
- 1/4 c.
ketchup
- 2 tbsp.
Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp.
yellow or Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp.
freshly ground black pepper
- 6 oz.
shredded cheddar (about 1 1/2 c.), divided
- 2 tbsp.
toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- 1
head romaine lettuce, chopped
Directions
- Step 1Preheat oven to 400°. In a medium pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta, stirring occasionally, until very al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and transfer to a 13" x 9" baking dish.
- Step 2Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Evenly distribute beef in large chunks and cook, undisturbed, until a deep brown color develops on the bottom, about 4 minutes. Break up meat with a spatula and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains, about 4 minutes more. Transfer to baking dish.
- Step 3Reduce heat to medium. Cook onion and garlic, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Add tomatoes, mayonnaise, pickles, ketchup, Worcestershire, mustard, and 1 cup water; season with pepper and 1 teaspoon salt. Transfer mixture to baking dish.
- Step 4Add 3 oz. cheddar and stir until distributed. Top with remaining 3 oz. cheddar, then sesame seeds (if using).
- Step 5Bake hamburger casserole until cheese is melted and bubbly, 10 to 12 minutes. Top with lettuce.
- Step 6Make Ahead: Casserole can be assembled, without baking, 1 day ahead. Cover in foil and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake in preheated oven 12 to 15 minutes.
Related Video: Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole
Editorial Assistant
Gabby Romero is Delish’s editorial assistant, where she writes stories about the latest TikTok trends, develops recipes, and answers any and all of your cooking-related questions. She loves eating spicy food, collecting cookbooks, and adding a mountain of Parmesan to any dish she can.
